Image credit: Debby Hudson on Unsplash.
Please heed my advice, from a public relations brand specialist, with almost 20 years’ experience:
- Use the spell check function, before sending emails – as media, this is crucial.
- Use capital letters, punctuation and good grammar – as media, again, this is essential.
- Create a signature on your computer and phone, which include your contact details – so it is on hand, on every email.
- Email first. Be patient for a response. Only use WhatsApp as a form of communication once a relationship is established.
- Don’t be afraid to call.
- Include your latest stats and insights, which city you are from and social media handles or URL links.
- Endeavour to behave like a professional business-person, in all your interactions.
On behalf of publicity companies, please be patient – we will respond to you by email.
Speaking personally, the only reason I reply to those who don’t follow these basic business guidelines is because I want to be professional; taken seriously; and have influence with my clients and their decision-making.
We all start somewhere, and I am excited to see new entrepreneurs entering the business world. I hope that this letter and feedback will help you sharpen your business tools, and propel you to greater success in your career.